Czech Republic Picks Documentary Feature ‘If Pigeons Turned to Gold’ for International Oscar Race

The Czech Republic has taken a bold step in the Best International Feature Film category by selecting Pepa Ljubojacki’s documentary feature ‘If Pigeons Turned to Gold’ for the 99th Academy Awards. This film is a powerful exploration of addiction and its devastating effects on families, shot over a period of five years.

The documentary follows the lives of Ljubojacki’s brother and two cousins as their struggles with addiction slowly destroy their relationships and homes. The film’s unique approach to storytelling, blending DIY aesthetics with diary shots, stylized memories, live photos, and graphic collages, creates a poignant and thought-provoking experience for the viewer.

The Czech Film and Television Academy, responsible for selecting the country’s Oscar submission, highlighted the film’s ability to understand the reasons behind the characters’ fall and the impact of their addiction on the entire family without sentimentality. This nuanced approach to storytelling is a testament to Ljubojacki’s skill as a director.

The International Oscar shortlist will be announced on December 15, ahead of the full nominations on January 21, 2027. This year’s submission period marks the first under new rules that allow non-English-language films to be submitted for the International Oscar race if they win the top award at select international festivals, including Berlin, Cannes, Sundance, Toronto, and Venice.

Last year, Joachim Trier’s ‘Sentimental Value’ (Norway) won the International Oscar, paving the way for this year’s hopefuls. The competition is fierce, but ‘If Pigeons Turned to Gold’ has already made a strong impression with its powerful storytelling and unique visual approach.

The new rules for the International Oscar submission period aim to promote greater diversity and inclusivity in the film industry. By allowing non-English-language films to be submitted, the Academy is acknowledging the importance of these stories and their impact on a global audience.

The ‘If Pigeons Turned to Gold’ team is undoubtedly proud of their selection, and with the support of the Czech Film and Television Academy, they are ready to take on the International Oscar challenge.

The 99th Academy Awards are set to be a memorable event, with ‘If Pigeons Turned to Gold’ standing out as a strong contender in the Best International Feature Film category. As the shortlist is announced on December 15, fans and industry professionals alike will be eagerly awaiting the full nominations on January 21, 2027.